Amy Stoddart Studio: Creating a Fusion of Classic and Contemporary Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Stoddart Studio.

Amy Stoddart Studio was commissioned to design this fun, vibrant family home in SW London. The clients trusted them with the ground floor re-work and internal re-fresh on the second floor. The studio took a classic/contemporary approach to the Kitchen, Living, Dining Area; paired with a modern arched crittall internal door, a punchy use of fabric and natural materials weaved throughout the rooms.

What was the client's brief?

Elaine, our client, has a discerning eye for design, appreciating an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces. She values key statement items over a cluttered aesthetic. Her vision was to preserve the original features of the property while ensuring that the new extension harmoniously blended with the existing structure.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, reflecting Elaine's appreciation for both new and vintage elements. We aimed to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonated with the lively spirit of the family. Incorporating natural materials and maintaining architectural integrity were central to our approach.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the challenges was ensuring that the new extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, working within budget constraints required creative solutions to achieve the desired high-end look without compromising on quality.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing Elaine's positive reaction and knowing we had created a home that truly reflected her taste and lifestyle was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry. The awards provide a platform to highlight innovative projects and connect with a broader audience, which is invaluable for our studio's growth.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The recognition has enhanced our credibility and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our future projects.

Questions answered by Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

For us, it is all about utilising and placing the right skill sets for the right piece of work. We recognise skills and expertise so often we will work collaboratively throughout the company, bringing in team members for key areas of a project where best suited. We do a lot of workshopping which always starts with pen and paper, scribbling out and drafting our thoughts and visions between us. We also love to collaborate with other boutique agencies and suppliers where we value their expertise for a specific part of a project to make it the best it can be.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

Between us, we are forever travelling the country and globe seeking the latest openings and drops from brands, however for us, it isn't just about physical spaces to visit, it's keeping an eye on online trends, fashion, new brands, new exhibitions & movements which inspire our creative vision. Keeping up to date with these trends help us stay on top of the ever changing dynamics of how people shop, eat, play & work. Being based in Soho also allows us to be inspired daily, just walking out our front door on Berwick Street we are forever discovering new pop ups, immersive experiences and soaking up the undeniable energy of Soho.

We also have a monthly whole company workshop where we showcase our latest work, as projects are delivered so quickly it's an opportunity to celebrate the work achieved by the team and what we learnt from that project.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

It really is all about having a great brief. Our style must be in sync with brands we are designing for so our talent is in pivoting and adapting our style between clients to ensure it is authentic to the brand. Our approach always starts however, with a deep dive research period where we really get to know the brand. This may involve researching the history or a brand or may be working in their spaces, speaking to the team and the customers to really understand the essence of the brand.

Can you highlight one or two of your most iconic projects?

Eton in New York is one of our most iconic - located down the world famous Madison Avenue and the first flagship in the USA for Swedish menswear brand Eton. We started working with ETON Shirts in March 2023 to create their global design concept for both Shop in Shop concession spaces as well as flagship stores worldwide.

We worked with Adidas in 2019 to complete this 5 storey Flagship store on Oxford Street, London. Adidas LDN followed on from New York and Paris, as the third new global flagship store. Initially we were brought on board to assist the main contractors, however as the project progressed we quickly assumed the role of Lead Technical Architect to deliver the project, alongside the Concept Design team in both the UK and Germany.

How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers?

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Just as we work seamlessly within our own team, we take the same approach with architects, engineers, and other consultants. With our deep experience in the process, we understand how to contribute effectively at every stage, ensuring proposals are developed on time and in line with a mutually agreed programme.

It’s always a team effort—the collective input of every consultant shapes the final outcome. The smoother and more enjoyable the process, the better the finished product. I always stress to clients when assembling a team that delivering their vision should be an enjoyable experience. But that only happens when you have the right, solutions-focused people involved. Anyone who isn’t on that same page makes the process far harder than it needs to be.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

Everything we do relies on collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and brands, it’s integral to the process. While we select partners on a project-by-project basis to ensure the best fit, we’ve built an extensive ‘black book’ of trusted contacts over the years. This network allows us to bring in the right expertise, materials, and innovation to deliver the best results for each client. Rather than rigid partnerships, we value flexibility and the ability to curate the right team for every unique brief.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mesmerising restaurant design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.

Sereia, meaning 'Mermaid' in Portuguese, made it's debut on February 29th, 2024, in Miami's Coconut Grove. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and Sault Hospitality birthed this culinary gem, vowing excellence. Under Bishop Design's direction, the restaurant dazzles with bespoke interiors. Picture gracefully curved furniture and an ocean-inspired palette—blues, greens, and sandy hues merging seamlessly. The ambiance is mesmerising, both unique and welcoming, mirroring the culinary delights it serves. Among its charms, Sereia offers an intimate private room, accommodating up to twelve guests, ensuring every dining experience is as extraordinary as the Iberian Peninsula, from which it draws its inspiration.

What was the client's brief?

The client envisioned a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination that would celebrate the ocean and Iberian coastal culture, mirroring the culinary vision of two-Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. They wanted a space that would feel elegant yet inviting, with a natural flow between intimate indoor seating and a sun-dappled outdoor terrace. The goal was to craft an immersive environment that complements the refined simplicity of the menu while embracing the charm and warmth of Coconut Grove’s evolving dining scene.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Sereia is a subtle love letter to the sea, capturing the movement, textures, and colours of the ocean without being overtly thematic. Inspired by the Iberian coastline, we integrated a soothing Atlantic palette of rich blues and greens, complemented by natural woods, curved furniture, and textured elements that create a sense of depth and warmth. Soft, ambient lighting beneath banquettes and the wave-like bar adds an ethereal, floating effect, reinforcing the fluidity of the design. The cobbled flooring, reminiscent of the charming streets of Portugal, brings an al fresco dining essence indoors, seamlessly connecting the space with its coastal inspiration.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the challenges was achieving a balance between intricacy and simplicity—creating a space that felt refined and luxurious while maintaining an inviting and effortless ambiance. Ensuring that the organic curves, textural contrasts, and layered lighting worked harmoniously required careful consideration and collaboration with craftsmen and contractors. Additionally, integrating the omakase-style crudo bar within the restaurant’s flow without disrupting the intimacy of the main dining space was another design challenge that we successfully navigated.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the vision come to life and witnessing the seamless interplay between the culinary artistry and the design was incredibly rewarding. The moment guests step into Sereia, they are enveloped in an ambiance that feels both transportive and welcoming. The integration of natural materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated details creates a space that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop but enhances the overall dining experience. The floating effect of the bar, in particular, stands out as a beautifully executed design element that elevates the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Bishop Design has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the hospitality experience through design. The SBID Awards are an incredible platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry, and we wanted to showcase how Sereia embodies these principles. Entering the awards allowed us to share our creative approach with the global design community and recognize the incredible collaboration that made this project possible.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist is an honour that validates our commitment to design excellence and storytelling through space. It highlights the dedication of our team and the passion we bring to each project. This recognition has not only strengthened our industry presence but has also reinforced our mission to create inspiring, immersive spaces that leave a lasting impact.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

We are always researching online, we visit trade shows in Milan and Germany, we visit all our suppliers in Germany and research all the time, we watch the SBID awards entries and spend time looking and learning in cities and towns as we all travel. I've seen amazing ideas on cruise ships and hotels, Vegas was an eye opener and it carries on like that. I find myself watching TV and studying the sets too. If you love design, you never stop seeing ideas and thinking where and when can I use that. My team and I weekly share images we find and challenge each other to find a client that will love it.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

I think wellbeing is key, rather than a style or colour trend. Covid made us all realise how important our homes are and being locked in them for months on end made us really focus on the bits we hated and loved. Decluttering and organisation is a key part of a calm home and then easy to clean and maintain too. Pay a little more and make it last is a motto I have lived by, this in return is sustainable. Avoid buy cheap buy twice mentality and this will be such a great thing for us to do for our world.

What advice would you give to emerging designers?

Make sure you truly care about people, this job is 25% design and 75% business. So many people talk about the fun part of the materials and textures and rarely talk about the detail and work that goes into the detail. I know so much about plumbing, electrics, lighting, ventilation, damp courses, pad stones etc. I know this is design but the part people think about is putting that paper with that paint, a nice natural wood floor and a cute handle. Honestly this part is so small once the design bit is done it needs sourcing and costing accurately! So be ready for maths and lonely computer work, late nights and weekends too. If a builder needs electrical drawings on Monday it won’t wait! And this goes on all the time.

What has been your company’s proudest achievement so far?

Opening our flagship studio. We bought the derelict building when it was full of asbestos and pigeons and now we have an iconic building presenting seven huge room sets with all appliances working. We are able to host cookery events for all our brands and have a happy environment for our team to work in.

How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers?

We love working with architects, builders and designers, they love our studio. We also work closely with lots of interior specialist like fireplaces designers, blinds and curtain specialist etc. We know what we are good at and respect others are better at their area of expertise than us, so we have lots of people we work closely with especially lighting design as this is a constantly moving technology.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

We work with two kitchen furniture brands: Eggersmann and Rempp, then appliance brands: Miele, Siemens, Neff, Bora and Fisher and Paykel, Quooker for their amazing taps and too many to mention worktop brands. We love Arte wall coverings and have a list of lighting and flooring brands. Our trade is very much about brand loyalty as we need to know what we sell inside and out and be able to guide our clients to what meets their needs on technology and function as well as budgeting.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury rental building design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

CHIL Interior Design was tasked with crafting REN, in Seattle's South Lake Union. Inspired by exploration and the fusion of humanity with technology, REN offers an immersive experience through bespoke art and design. Custom artwork and installations adorn the public areas, catering to the vibrant tech industry professionals seeking originality. Amenities include a fully functional lobby bar, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and interconnected top-floor lounges boasting panoramic city views. Designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents, REN offers flexible workspaces and immersive art galleries, creating a dynamic and stimulating living environment.

What was the client's brief?

REN was our chance to make a bold statement in the US luxury rental market, specifically for the creative minds in Seattle’s tech scene. The brief was all about creating spaces that felt alive, with art and tech merging to spark a sense of exploration. We wanted tenants to feel inspired as soon as they walked through the door.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the concept of exploration and merging humanity with technology, we wanted every corner to feel like it had a story to tell, where humanity and technology collide in unexpected ways creating a residential space that feels like a journey.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Building REN during the pandemic was a wild ride as everything had to adapt as we went. With remote work becoming the new norm, we had to rethink how the space would support hybrid professionals. Flexible co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms that feel as functional as they do inspiring. Plus, immersive art galleries and a lobby bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink. REN is a place to work, socialise, and unwind, all in one, blurring the lines between home, work, and play.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our biggest highlight was watching the vision of exploration come to life through art. From hanging wood sculptures to glowing astronauts and graffiti-inspired murals, every piece was designed to blur the line between humanity and technology. Walking through the finished space was a surreal moment for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it’s a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in design. We invest in awards that hold prestige and celebrates work that pushes creative boundaries and sets new standards in the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist feels like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a validation of all the hard work, creativity, and passion we put into every project. It’s not just about the recognition, but a reminder that we’re on the right track to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire.

Questions answered by Carolyn Kaczmarek, Director of Residential Design at CHIL Interior Design.

What trends do you see shaping the future of interior design?

Wellness and technology have already made a significant impact and will continue to evolve, shaping how we design and experience spaces.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

We have been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark in recognition of our ESG criteria, embedding sustainable practices into our work across the company, projects, and people.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

Our design style is deeply influenced by our architectural pedigree, with an emphasis on clean lines, minimalism, and meticulous attention to detail. This results in refined, sophisticated spaces with a carefully curated balance of focal points.

How do technology and innovation influence your work?

Technology and innovation play a key role in enhancing both the design process and the final outcome of our projects. We integrate advanced digital tools, such as BIM and realtime rendering, to improve efficiency and visualisation. Smart home technology, sustainable materials, and emerging construction techniques allow us to create spaces that are not only aesthetically refined but also intelligent and future-proof.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Yes, at Rigby & Rigby, we are deeply committed to mentoring and education within the interior design and architecture industry. Each year, we offer work experience placements for school students considering a career in Interior Design and Architecture, allowing them to spend one to two weeks with us to observe our design process and the collaboration between all teams in our full turnkey offering. Additionally, we actively provide paid internship opportunities for young architects during summer breaks and longer placements as part of their university placement year. Many of our senior team members also mentor and tutor at various universities, ensuring we give back to the industry and help nurture the next generation of designers and architects.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

Yes, Rigby & Rigby has established strong partnerships with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Boffi, Minotti, Poliform, Rimadesio, and other industry leaders in luxury interiors. These collaborations allow us to source the finest materials, bespoke furnishings, and innovative design solutions tailored to each client’s vision.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a cosy, woodland home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, The Vawdrey House.

The Vawdrey House was engaged to inject some soul and personality into a client’s country home. The refurbished house is a retreat in the true sense of the word. A life-enriching counterpoint to the client’s London home. As comfortable for the couple to cosy up in on a winters afternoon as it is for hosting hordes of extended family. Spaces are impeccably styled for relaxed, everyday living. The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting, with rich textures, clever design and exceptional craftsmanship.

What was the client's brief?

Nestled deep in the New Forest National Park, Forest House was originally a mid-century bungalow, extended and reconfigured by a previous owner. But this is no country cottage. The generous scale of the interior spaces presented a particular challenge. The open plan kitchen and living space is an impressive 14mx9m, with a four-metre ceiling. It was cold, echoey and dwarfed any furniture the client had placed there. As the new owners, our client engaged us to inject some soul and personality.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our response to the brief was to make minimal structural alterations, instead focussing on adding built-in joinery and injecting new texture, colour and finishes. Such a large-scale space necessitated bold, architectural-scale interventions.

We retained the existing double-sided wood burning stove in the centre of the room, wrapping it in a new, wider chimney breast clad in beautiful, glazed three-dimensional tiles. At the base we commissioned a polished concrete hearth, large enough to sit on, and reminiscent of a feature within the client’s mid-century childhood home. This created an architectural separation between the living area and kitchen / dining area; open enough to allow the spaces to flow but closed enough to make the reorientated living area more intimate.

We added curtains across the expansive glazing, not only to make the space cosy but also to reduce the echo in the room.

Across the rear wall that stretches from the kitchen to the living area we created a 14 metre-long joinery installation, designed unify the series of spaces. This accommodates aspects of the kitchen, a hidden door to the boot room, a cocktail bar, tableware storage and a library. A sliding ladder is a fun, but also very practical addition.

Within this wall is a new opening leading to a snug room with a huge sliding oak door, enabling this room to become a much cosier space with its Obsidian Green walls, thick velvet curtains and a pallet of accent colours inspired a much-loved oil painting.

We enriched what was previously a long, dark corridor by over-cladding one side in black oak concealing doors leading to ancillary rooms. Opposite we added new mouldings, a warm paint scheme and created focal points for yet more of the client’s art collection.

Behind one of the hidden doors lies the dramatic powder room, with black terrazzo floor and statement terracotta-coloured concrete basin.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

From the outset, it was clear that our biggest challenge to overcome would be the unusually large scale of the space.

With high, four-metre ceilings and an open plan kitchen and living space measuring 14m x 9m, our biggest hurdle was finding a way to bring character, soul and personality into a space that felt cold and echoey.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Undoubtedly the highlight of the project was working with such an openminded client and a relatively free brief. The end result is a true collaboration of such passionate and highly specialist craftspeople. Matched as it was by the passion of the client for the design, materials and finishes, the entire project felt truly meaningful and full of purpose.

More specifically, the enormous, double-sided fireplace with lustrous tiles and bespoke polished concrete hearth was a real highlight in terms of the design of the finished project.

The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting but with personality reflective of our truly fabulous and trusting clients.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This was our first time entering the SBID awards. We decided to enter ourselves and this project as we were excited by the programme’s international outlook, and the variety of categories for the nominations.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Bring an Award Finalist has meant an enormous amount to us. After all the hard work, it is always nice to take a moment to properly celebrate a project, especially with so many brilliant industry friends and contemporaries. The recognition from the SBID is the cherry on top of what has been a really fantastic project/cake!

Questions answered by Ian Chapman, Director of The Vawdrey House.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Scandi inspired kitchen design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Ledbury Studio.

Ledbury Studio was commisioned to design furniture for the kitchen, dining area, tv snug and hallway/bootroom, so that the design flowed seamlessly throughout this open plan lower ground floor space for this Kensington project. Our client's design aesthetic was " Australian/Scandi", reflecting the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style, mixed with the warmth of her native country, Australia.

What was the client's brief?

The client’s brief was to create a kitchen that aligned with her ‘Australian Scandi’ design aesthetic as part of a major two-year refurbishment of her seven-floor Kensington home. She wanted interiors that reflected the cool simplicity of Scandinavian style while incorporating the warmth of her native Australia. Beyond the kitchen, I was also tasked with de-signing furniture for the dining area, TV snug, boot room, office, and dressing room.

What inspired the design of the project?

To meet the design brief, I chose natural and painted oak for the cabinetry, keeping the scheme as light and fresh as its surroundings. The pale oak is meticulously book-matched on the drawers of the hob run and island, while the full-height cupboards are painted white - ensuring they run all the way to the ceiling without overwhelming the space. For a show-stopping effect, I placed fluted oak panels on the outside of the island and around the base of the breakfast bar. In addition, the Statuario marble worktop cascades down the end of the island in a striking waterfall effect.

There are many fine details in this kitchen. All the hand-crafted handles are made from patinated brass, as are the kickplates and the surrounds on the oak drawers. I also used patinated brass for the trim on the extractor hood - painted in the same matt white as the cupboards - and for the hanging rack over the island. This sculptural piece not only serves as an eye-catching focal point but also provides task lighting, additional storage, and a space to display trailing house plants. It is suspended from a curved section of ceiling, which is tiled in white and lit around its perimeter.

This kitchen is all about pared-back luxury, but it is also beautifully clutter-free, thanks to cabinets that conceal a wealth of useful storage - everything has its place. For example, the tall pantry cupboard not only stores bulky dried goods but also conceals the microwave, keeping the work surfaces clear.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the toughest challenges we faced during this project was getting the large marble slabs for the island into the kitchen. Given the sheer size and weight of the Statuario mar-ble, manoeuvring it into a seven-floor Kensington home was no small feat. It required me-ticulous planning, a highly skilled team, and some creative problem-solving.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The standout highlight of the project must be the drinks cabinet! Designed to seamlessly tie in with the kitchen, it features elegant, fluted oak and glass detailing, complemented by a luxurious Statuario marble worktop and panelling.

The glass-fronted cabinet is softly illuminated from within, transforming the contents into a striking display, while the open shelves are backed with a mirrored panel to enhance depth and reflect the beautifully arranged bottles and decanters. This thoughtful design not only makes the cabinet a functional storage piece but also an eye-catching focal point—perfect for entertaining in style.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to gain recognition among internationally prominent interior designers. The awards are a prestigious platform that celebrates excellence in interior de-sign, and we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to highlight our commitment to pushing crea-tive boundaries.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist has been an incredible validation of our work, reinforcing our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional design. It serves as a testament to the skill and creativity of our team, confirming that our approach resonates with both industry experts and discerning clients.

Beyond the personal achievement, it has also provided greater brand recognition, helping to elevate our presence on an international stage. The exposure has allowed us to connect with a wider audience, opening doors to exciting new opportunities and collaborations. It’s an honour to be recognised among the best in the industry, and this acknowledgment only motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of design excellence.

Questions answered by Charlie Smallbone, Founder of Ledbury Studio.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a unique use of lighting in a residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.

The project is more than a simple residential space but was also planned to serve as a banquet and event space, so we wanted to use visual tension to impress guests rather than a timeless style. In response to the owner's request for functional needs, the designer deliberately enlarged the scale of the public domain. The entrance is bounded by a glass screen with light track lines, and the reflection effect brought by the light hints at directing the circulation. Hand-blown glass artwork on the side is illuminated by the marble back wall and lighting, suggesting the upcoming lively scene.

What was the client's brief?

Residential spaces should not only be comfortable but also reflect the unique characteristics of the homeowners. In this case, the male homeowner has a passion for photography, particularly focusing on capturing natural light. Meanwhile, the female homeowner, as their children have grown up, has shifted her efforts towards social welfare volunteering, hoping for a place to host charitable lectures and discussions. The couple's pursuit of light and their spirit of conveying love inspired the concept of this project, themed around the "sun."

What inspired the design of the project?

Transforming the shape, colour, characteristics, and movement of the sun into a design language, this project incorporates four key solar features: the halo formed by sunlight refraction, the dazzling radiance of solar rays, the changing colour temperature of daylight throughout the day, and the sun’s trajectory over the course of a year. These elements are embodied in the design through the imagery of "halo," "radiance," "spectrum," and "trajectory."

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating raw materials and labor faced many challenges. In the early stages of design discussions, importing various materials from overseas became more time-consuming and labor-intensive than before. Additionally, regulations for residential construction became significantly stricter, limiting the number of workers allowed on-site. The extended construction timeline also led to an increase in renovation costs.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

"Live like a beam of light, for you never know who, by your light, has found their way out of the darkness."

This quote from Rabindranath Tagore's "Impacting Lives with Life" serves as an inspiration—perhaps design, too, can influence lives. Through thoughtful creation, a space can become more than just a structure; it can be a source of light and passion, helping its inhabitants discover warmth and meaning in their lives.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a highly prestigious recognition, and it holds special significance for us because the homeowner discovered our work through award-winning projects from the SBID Awards. This makes the achievement even more meaningful to us.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

For us, this is a great opportunity for exposure, allowing more clients who value design quality to discover our work and recognise the exceptional creations we can bring to life.

Questions answered by Flora mao, Director at Chains Interior.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary ski house design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, McLeod Bovell.

Designed for a family of avid skiers, Crisscross Ski House affords the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access to the nearby mountain while providing a hotel-like experience for the occupants when they are not on the slopes. The architecture and interiors of the house reference its immediate geological context and British Columbia’s regional building traditions. Copper tones in the site’s exposed bedrock is reflected in the material palette of woods and metals. Massive stacked timber elements—reminiscent of the area’s ubiquitous timber trestle bridges and log cabins—delineate interior spaces, imparting the feeling of being in a rural retreat.

What was the client's brief?

The clients—two brothers—are avid skiers who love heli-skiing in particular. They wanted a house that would have the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access while providing a resort-like experience when they are not on the slopes. The architecture and interiors of the house reinterpret the immediate geological context and British Columbia’s regional building traditions. Copper veins in the site’s exposed bedrock are reflected in the interior and exterior material palettes. Massive stacked timber elements—reminiscent of the area’s ubiquitous wood trestle bridges and log cabins—delineate interior spaces and impart the feeling of a rural retreat.

What inspired the design of the project?

Because the house is set along a densely forested mountain ridge overlooking a river valley, the building spreads itself along the north-south contours of the steep site. Upper and main floors “twist” about the centre to form intersecting volumes that are alternately roofs overhangs and floors. These cantilevered roofs create porches at both ends of the house: a covered entry from the helicopter landing / ski-in access terrace at the south, and a sheltered terrace surrounded by trees at the north. Similarly, the main floor rotates relative to the basement below to provide cover at the garage door and entry to the mudroom. Nestled on a hill 23 meters above the bottom of the driveway, we considered the building’s appearance from this unusually low vantage point on vehicular approach. The wood soffits—as they reveal themselves from below—read as the 5th elevation. The formal articulation of twisting floors and roofs in plan generates spaces that are legible from the low viewing angle. This plan rotation helps minimize the building’s massing, varying the perception of vertical surfaces from different perspectives. As a result, the massing of the building appears as a series of single storey volumes whose projections and recesses create visual interest.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the biggest challenges—which is actually a recurring aspect in much of our prior work—was designing a house on steep terrain while at the same time respecting the site's existing natural topographic and climatic conditions. We tried to position the house so that mature trees were all retained; the existing contours and rock faces were respected to eliminate blasting; and creeks, water outflows, snow accumulation, and snow melt were properly considered.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of this project is its unique program and amazing location. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to design a house "in the round" where all parts of the house can engage with the landscape in such an immediate way. This house is able to have an intimate relationship with the forested mountain on which it perches.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Due to the long timelines between initial design and photographing the built project, we submit conceptual designs into awards to share our work with the others sooner.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist is crucial for our business as it gives potential clients, especially those new to British Columbia, confidence in our ability to undertake holistic residential projects on complex natural sites.

Questions answered by Lisa Bovell and Matt McLeod, Principals at McLeod Bovell.